Chapter 3: Mirror lies

Edward’s POV

Two weeks had passed since the company’s gathering, and they all welcomed Ethan back into the Hart family business, “Diamond Harts”.To everyone else, it was a moment of celebration, relief, and closure. To me, it felt like the beginning of something fragile, something carefully balanced that could collapse at any moment.

My father, Simon, made it clear that Ethan would now be learning the details and inner workings of our family business from me. His tone had been firm, final, the kind that left no room for negotiation.

He also made it clear that at every business meeting I attended, he had to be by my side.

I took a stroll in the estate, my mind heavy. The burden of responsibilities rested on my shoulders, not only for Ethan but also for the family, for Sophia, and for the legacy that had been bestowed upon me since I set foot into the mansion.

I stopped outside Sophia’s room without realizing it. I had always admired her quietly from afar; I never dared to cross. She was slender, brown-haired, and had striking blue eyes, which I always admired. She was the kind of woman every man dreamt of, yet she never noticed the stares, the admiration, or the suitors who tried and failed to win her attention.

Her life was always focused on finding Ethan. With every disappointment she received, she became more resilient in finding him. I couldn’t risk telling her how I felt towards her because it might change everything. She saw me as her brother, her protector, her family and if I crossed that line, I risked losing everything we had built.

Inside her room, sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, casting soft shadows along the walls. She sat by the window, quiet, distant, but attentive as always.

I explained how my father wanted me to guide Ethan in the business. I talked about the diamond business, our legacy, which had the largest holdings in Chicago, the networks we built over the years, and the deals that earned our family both respect, honor, and fear. But I also told her what matters most to me. For every profit we made, our family donated 15% to hospitals, funded education programs, and helped orphaned children. It was business, but it was also a responsibility to the community that came with our wealth.

She listened quietly, her eyes distant but focused. I watched her, noticing how her brow furrowed and then relaxed, her hands resting gently in her lap. I tried to offer comfort with small, reassuring gestures.

“You're not alone in this,” I said, keeping my voice calm and steady. “We'll figure it out together.”

She gave a small smile, but I knew deep down she wasn't happy, just enough to show me that the trust I had worked to keep was still there. I left her room feeling quietly relieved. Even though she didn’t love me the way I loved her, I knew I had given her the support she needed. For now, that was enough.

Ethan's POV

I can't understand why Sophia still refuses to believe me. After the whole medical proof that had been presented and all the clear signs, “she's the only one that doubts me”, as I said to Ryan, my best friend. My brother in everything but blood.

Ryan and I met at our usual meet-up spot, a quiet corner of a bar where the outside world felt distant. He was the only one who had always been there for me since I could remember, even back in the orphanage when no one else cared for us, and every day felt like a struggle. We ran away together, faced hardships that shaped us and made us stronger, and we formed a bond no one could break. Ten years of friendship, loyalty, and shared pain. If anyone knew me, it was him.

I let out all my frustration in words as I couldn’t share with anyone else at home. “I don’t know why Sophia refuses to believe it’s me,” I mean, I understand where she is coming from, but at the same time, she's the only one to treats me coldly. I admitted, staring into my glass.

Ryan nodded and listened with the patience only he had. He didn’t judge or offer empty advice. Instead, he reminded me of what I already knew: the past might be the key. Sophia needed something real, something she could trust and rely on.

“You have to try,” he said softly. “Try to say or remember something only she would know. Something from your life together. She needs proof beyond what everyone else says.”

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words. He was right. I had no other choice. If I wanted her to believe me and see the truth that I'm really her brother, I had to find the memories that had lasted, the ones that stayed with us even when I couldn’t remember everything.

Memories of the orphanage, the hardships we endured together, the cold nights, lack of food, and the distant caregivers all came back in flashes. Ryan and I had survived together, and now I had to get through this alone. But just surviving wasn’t enough. Sophia needed to see me, believe me, and trust that I was who I said I was.“If I don’t remember,” I said quietly, “she’ll never believe me.”

I realized there was only one way forward for this problem. I had to remember, honestly remember something, before Sophia’s doubt became permanent.